Abstract: An electrochemical impedance spectroscopy apparatus includes a conduit having a first conductive probe positioned therein. One end of the conduit is coupled in a fluid tight manner to a surface of an electrically conductive object or a coating thereon whereupon an electrolyte solution disposed in the conduit is in fluid communication with the first conductive probe and the surface or the coating. A second conductive probe outside the conduit is moved into electrical contact with the object, either directly or via the coating. An AC signal applied between the first and second conductive probes is swept between a first frequency and a second frequency. A characteristic or property of the surface and/or the coating is determined from the response thereof to the swept AC signal.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement comprising a triangularly shaped distributor having a stem which is attachable to a discharge tube of an aerosol can. The distributor has a slot through which shaving cream is evenly spread onto a user. A lip is arranged across the distal edge of the distributor, adjacent the orifice, to permit a flat, even distribution of the cream discharged onto the user's skin.

Abstract: Auxiliary control of fluid actuated steering apparatus for ships, boats and the like (hereinafter, "water vessels") includes isolating the existing steering control system from the steering apparatus and providing flow-communication between fluid under pressure and the steering apparatus through an auxiliary directional control sub-system enabling control of the steering apparatus independently of the main steering control system. According to a preferred embodiment, the source of the fluid includes a quantity of fluid stored under pressure and another quantity of fluid adapted to be provided under pressure. Isolation of the existing steering control system is carried out by coupling the source of fluid to a by-pass control sub-system preferably adapted both to isolate the main steering control system and to couple the auxiliary directional control sub-system to the steering apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic filtering apparatus which provides an aliquot of filtrate of a particular quantity desired is provided. A solid-liquid mixture is introduced to a filter means under positive air pressure to provide the liquid filtrate. The filtrate flows into a receiving means defining the volume of the particular quantity desired. Excess filtrate flows into an overflow reservoir and out a waste line connected thereto. The filtrate in the receiving means can be transferred into a delivery means. Advantageously, a three-way stop-cock is disposed between the filter receiving means and delivery means and the flow paths are determined by the position of the stop-cock.